Two reporters of the Manila Bulletin will take part in the East Asia Regional Media Program 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia from March 9 to 11 that aims to raise awareness on the reportage of complex issues involving politics, religion and culture, especially during conflicts.

New Zealand is the organizer of the three-day event, with the European Union as co-sponsor. The Philippines has four delegates, including this reporter and Charissa M. Luci.

The East Asia Summit (EAS) endorsed the media forum, with the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Indonesian government and the Indonesian Press Council.

In a statement from organizers, New Zealand Chargé d' Affaires in Jakarta Chris Langley cited the significance of the event that will gather 35 journalists.

"We have seen examples of how media reporting on sensitive issues particularly in situations of conflict and terrorism can exacerbate tensions.

This is especially the case where reporting delves into cultural and religious issues but is not well founded or balanced," said Langley.

"This conference is a unique opportunity for 35 senior journalists from the region’s major media outlets to step back from the daily demands of the newsroom and examine how they are reporting on security issues – what they are doing well and what could be improved," the New Zealand official said.

Also participating from the Philippines are Cynthia Balana of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Julmunir Jannaral of the Manila Times and NBN 4 television.

Conference panelists from the Philippines are Amy Pamintuan, columnist and editor of Philippine Star, and Carol Arguillas, editor of online news agency Mindanews.com.

Countries represented are ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

The statement said ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan will open the event while Jusuf Kalla, former Indonesian vice president, will keynote the conference.